Society Law and Ethics Notes – Class 11 CS (083) | Exam Ready Notes

Want to ace Society Law and Ethics of Class 11 for exams confidently? Here’s everything you need to make that happen!

This Society Law and Ethics notes crafted by experts, CBSE-aligned & point-to-point. Simple language, covers every topic—perfect for quick revision.

Designed specifically for Class 11 Computer Science (083) students, Every single topic is covered in a clean, point-to-point format using simple, easy-to-understand language, making even the toughest concepts click instantly. Whether you’re doing a last-minute revision or trying to build real clarity on the subject, these notes are made to save your time while boosting your understanding at the same time.

So if you want smart, stress-free prep for Society, Law and Ethics — this is exactly what you need.

Digital Footprints

• Digital footprints are the trails of data you leave behind whenever you use the internet or digital devices.
• For example: Search information online, Book tickets, send emails, watch videos or check scores
• you are creating a record of your online activity.

A digital footprint is the collection of data that is left behind when we use the Internet or digital devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers.

Types of Digital Footprints

Active Digital Footprint

This is the data we intentionally share online, such as:

• Sending emails
• Posting on social media
• Commenting on websites or apps

Passive Digital Footprint

This is the data collected without our direct action, such as:

• Browsing history
• Cookies stored in the browser
• App usage data
• Location tracking

🖥️ Where is this data stored?

• In web browsers (history, cookies, passwords, autofill)
• On servers of websites and apps
• On our own devices

Digital Society and Netizen

A Digital Society is a society where digital technologies and the Internet are widely used in daily activities such as communication, education, banking, shopping, transportation, and entertainment.

Netizen

A person who uses digital technology and the Internet is called a Netizen or Digital Citizen.

A good netizen:

• Uses technology safely
• Follows ethical and legal practices
• Behaves responsibly online

Net Etiquettes

Net Etiquettes are the rules of polite, respectful, and responsible behaviour that we should follow while using the Internet to ensure safe and positive online interactions.

A responsible netizen should be:

• Ethical
• Respectful
• Responsible

Be Ethical

• Avoid copyright violation by not copying or downloading copyrighted content without permission.
• Share only true, clear, and verified information online.
• Do not spread false, misleading, or repeated information.

Be Respectful

• Respect others’ privacy by not sharing photos, documents, chats, or files without permission.
• Respect diversity in culture, knowledge, opinions, and experience while interacting online.
• Avoid offensive or disrespectful behaviour on the Internet.

Be Responsible

• Avoid cyber bullying such as spreading rumours, posting hurtful comments, sharing personal information, or harassing others online.
• Understand that cyber bullying can emotionally and mentally harm people.
• Ignore Internet trolls and avoid arguing with them, as they post offensive messages only to gain attention.

Communication Etiquettes

Communication etiquettes are the rules of polite, respectful, and effective communication while using digital platforms such as email, messaging, social media, audio/video conferencing, and online forums. They help maintain clear and positive online interactions.

Be Precise

• Respect others’ time by avoiding unnecessary messages and not expecting instant replies.
• Respect data limits by avoiding very large attachments and using compressed files or cloud storage links when needed.

Be Polite

• Communicate politely and respectfully in emails, chats, calls, and online forums.
• Avoid abusive, rude, or aggressive language even when opinions differ.

Be Credible

• Share accurate and trustworthy information online.
• Write comments and posts carefully, as online behaviour affects your credibility and reputation.

Social Media Etiquettes

Social media etiquettes are the rules of safe, responsible, and respectful behaviour while using social networking websites and apps.

Be Secure

• Use strong passwords and never share your login credentials with others.
• Be careful while accepting friend requests from unknown people.
• Verify news and messages before believing or sharing them, as fake information is common on social media.

Be Reliable

• Think carefully before uploading or sharing anything online.
• Avoid sharing sensitive or confidential information, as data uploaded on social media may remain online even after deletion.Top of Form

Data Protection

• Data protection means keeping digital data and sensitive information safe and private.
• The main aim of data protection is to prevent misuse, modification, or disclosure of sensitive data.

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)

• Intellectual Property refers to creations of the mind such as inventions, designs, artistic works, names, and logos.
• Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) protect the ownership and rights of creators over their creations.
• IPR helps creators gain recognition and financial benefits from their work.
• Copyright, patents, and trademarks are the main types of Intellectual Property Rights.

Copyright

• Copyright gives legal protection to original creative works such as books, music, videos, photographs, software, and artworks.
• It prevents others from copying, using, or selling the work without permission.
• The creator automatically gets copyright protection for their original work.

Patent

• A patent protects inventions and new technological ideas.
• The inventor must apply for a patent to get legal protection.
• A patent gives exclusive rights to use, sell, or distribute the invention for a limited period.

Trademark

• A trademark protects brand names, logos, symbols, slogans, or designs.
• It helps distinguish one company’s products or services from others.
• Other businesses cannot use similar trademarks that may confuse customers.

Violation of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)

• Violation of IPR occurs when someone uses another person’s intellectual property without permission.

Plagiarism

• Plagiarism means presenting someone else’s work or idea as your own.
• Copying text, images, videos, or ideas without giving credit to the original source is plagiarism.
• It is considered an unethical and dishonest practice.

Copyright Infringement

• Copyright infringement occurs when copyrighted material is used without permission from the owner.
• Using images, music, videos, or other content from the Internet without proper rights may violate copyright laws.
• Content available online is not always free to use.

Trademark Infringement

• Trademark infringement means using another company’s trademark, logo, or brand name without authorisation.
• It may lead to legal action against the person or organisation using the trademark illegally.

Public Access and Open Source Software

• Licenses provide rules and permissions for using, sharing, and modifying copyrighted work legally.
• Public licenses encourage collaboration and innovation by allowing others to build upon existing work.
• Open source licenses allow users to access, modify, and improve existing software or projects.

Creative Commons (CC)

• Creative Commons licenses are used for creative works such as music, films, websites, and literature.
• CC licenses allow people to share, use, and modify creative content under certain conditions decided by the creator.

GNU Project GPL

• GNU General Public License (GPL) is a public license mainly designed for software.
• GPL allows users to run, study, share, and modify software freely.
• Modified versions of GPL software must also remain freely available to others.

Free and Open Source Software (FOSS)

• FOSS refers to software whose source code is freely available to users.
• Users can study, modify, improve, and distribute FOSS software.
• FOSS is developed collaboratively by a large community of users and developers.
• Examples of FOSS include Ubuntu, Fedora Linux, LibreOffice, and Mozilla Firefox.

Proprietary Software

• Proprietary software is commercial software whose source code is not publicly available.
• Users are generally not allowed to modify or distribute proprietary software.

Software Piracy

• Software piracy is the unauthorised copying, use, or distribution of software.
• Software piracy is a form of copyright infringement and is illegal.
• Pirated software can harm computer performance and negatively affect the software industry and economy.

Cyber Crime

Cyber-crime is a crime in which a computer or digital device is either the target of the crime or used as a tool to commit illegal activities. Examples include hacking, phishing, spamming, extortion, data breaches, and theft.

• Cyber-crime refers to illegal activities carried out using computers, digital devices, or the Internet.
• In cyber-crime, a computer may be the target or used as a tool to commit crimes.
• Common cyber-crimes include hacking, phishing, ransomware attacks, email fraud, banking fraud, identity theft, and denial-of-service attacks.

Hacking

• Hacking is the act of gaining unauthorised access to a computer, network, or digital system.
• Hackers use technical knowledge to find security loopholes or vulnerabilities in systems.

Ethical Hacking

• Ethical hacking is legal hacking performed to improve system security.
• Ethical hackers are called white hat hackers.
• They identify security weaknesses and report them to the system owner to prevent cyber-attacks.

Non-Ethical Hacking

• Non-ethical hackers are called black hat hackers or crackers.
• They illegally access systems to steal data, damage networks, or perform malicious activities.
• Their activities may include identity theft, financial fraud, data leakage, or disrupting websites and services.

Phishing and Fraud Emails

• Phishing is a cyber-crime in which fake websites, emails, calls, or messages are used to steal sensitive information.
• Attackers try to collect usernames, passwords, banking details, and credit card information fraudulently.
• Phishing attacks can also happen through phone calls and text messages.

Identity Theft

• Identity theft is a cyber-crime in which someone steals and misuses another person’s personal information.
• Stolen information may include email ID, banking details, PAN, Aadhaar number, passport details, and other personal data.
• Identity theft is often used for fraud and financial gain.

Types of Identity Theft

• Financial identity theft involves using stolen identity for monetary benefits or financial fraud.
• Criminal identity theft occurs when criminals use another person’s identity to hide their real identity.
• Medical identity theft involves using someone else’s identity to obtain medical treatment or drugs.

Ransomware

• Ransomware is a type of cyber-crime in which attackers block access to a computer or its data, usually by encrypting it.
• Attackers demand money (ransom) to restore access to the data or system.

Eavesdropping

• Eavesdropping is the unauthorised real-time interception or monitoring of private communication over a network.
• It commonly targets phone calls, instant messages, video conferences, and other private communication channels.
• Attackers may use malware to secretly access microphones or cameras in digital devices such as laptops and smartphones.

Cyber Bullying

• Cyber bullying is the act of threatening, harassing, or embarrassing someone repeatedly through digital platforms or the Internet.
• It may include spreading rumours, posting hurtful comments, sharing personal information, or sending abusive messages online.
• Cyber bullying can negatively affect a person emotionally and mentally.
• Responsible digital citizens should avoid cyber bullying and behave respectfully online.

Combatting and Preventing Cyber Crime

• Take regular backups of important data to avoid data loss.
• Use antivirus software and keep it updated regularly.
• Avoid installing pirated software and download software only from trusted secure websites.
• Keep the operating system, browser, and applications updated.
• Do not visit or download files from untrusted websites.
• Avoid websites with invalid or suspicious security certificates.
• Use strong and unique passwords with alphanumeric and special characters.
• Change passwords regularly and avoid using the same password everywhere.
• Do not allow browsers to save passwords while using shared computers.
• Use private browsing mode on public or shared systems.
• Avoid accepting cookies from unknown or suspicious websites.
• Perform online transactions only on trusted and secure websites.
• Protect home Wi-Fi networks with strong passwords and update them regularly.

Malware

• Malware stands for MALicious softWARE.
• It is harmful software designed to damage computers, steal data, or disrupt system operations.
• Common types of malware include viruses, worms, ransomware, trojans, and spyware.

Virus

• A computer virus is a malicious software program designed to damage computer systems or steal information.
• A virus spreads by copying or inserting its code into other programs or executable files.
• A virus becomes active when the infected file or program is opened by the user.
• Examples of computer viruses include CryptoLocker, ILOVEYOU, MyDoom, Sasser, Netsky, Slammer, and Stuxnet.

Worms

• A worm is a type of malware that causes harmful or unexpected effects on a computer system.
• Unlike a virus, a worm does not need a host program or file to spread.
• Worms are standalone programs that can operate independently.
• A worm can replicate itself automatically without any user action.
• Worms spread quickly through computer networks and infect other systems.
• Examples of worms include Storm Worm, Sobig, MSBlast, Code Red, Nimda, and Morris Worm.

Trojan

• A Trojan is a type of malware that appears to be legitimate software but performs malicious activities after installation.
• It tricks users into installing it through email attachments, downloads, or fake software files.
• Unlike viruses and worms, a Trojan does not replicate itself or infect other files.
• Trojans spread mainly through user interaction.
• Some Trojans create backdoors that allow attackers to gain unauthorised access to a computer system.

Adware

• Adware is a type of malware designed to display advertisements and generate revenue for its developer.
• It shows ads through pop-ups, web pages, or installation screens.
• Adware often earns money using advertisement views or pay-per-click methods.
• Although adware is usually not very harmful, it can be annoying to users.

Cyber Safety

• Cyber safety refers to the safe and responsible use of computers, digital devices, and the Internet.
• It helps protect users from cyber threats, data theft, and online fraud.

Safely Browsing the Web

• Visit only trusted and secure websites (HTTPS).
• Avoid clicking suspicious links or pop-up advertisements.
• Do not download files or software from unknown sources.
• Keep browsers and antivirus software updated regularly.

Identity Protection

• Use strong and unique passwords for online accounts.
• Never share personal information such as passwords, OTPs, or banking details online.
• Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
• Be cautious of phishing emails, fake websites, and fraud messages.

Confidentiality

• Confidentiality means protecting personal or sensitive information from unauthorised access.
• Share private data only with trusted people or secure platforms.
• Use encryption and secure passwords to protect important data.
• Log out from accounts after use, especially on shared computers.

Indian Information Technology Act (IT Act)

• The Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act) is a law introduced by the Government of India to deal with cyber crimes and electronic transactions.
• The IT Act was amended in 2008 to improve cyber security and data protection measures.
• It provides legal guidelines for processing, storing, and transmitting sensitive information digitally.

E-Waste: Hazards and Management

• E-waste (Electronic Waste) refers to discarded electronic and electrical devices that are no longer in use.
• Examples of e-waste include computers, laptops, mobile phones, televisions, printers, scanners, tablets, and speakers.
• E-waste contains harmful substances that may pollute air, water, and soil.
• Lack of awareness and improper management worsen the problem of e-waste.

Management of E-Waste

• E-waste management refers to the proper handling and disposal of electronic waste to reduce harm to humans and the environment.
• The main methods of e-waste management are Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.

Reduce

• Buy electronic devices only when needed.
• Use devices for their maximum useful life before discarding them.
• Proper maintenance increases the lifespan of electronic devices.

Reuse

• Reuse old electronic devices after minor repair or modification.
• Working devices can be donated or sold to others.
• Refurbishing means re-selling old electronic goods after repairing or improving them.

Recycle

• Recycling converts old electronic devices into reusable materials or products.
• Devices that cannot be repaired or reused should be recycled properly.
• Many companies and NGOs provide e-waste collection and recycling services.

Technology and Society: Gender and Disability Issues while Teaching and Using Computers

Gender Issues

• Gender issues refer to unequal opportunities or discrimination based on gender while learning or using technology.
• In some societies, girls and women get fewer chances to access computers and digital education.

Reasons for Gender Issues

• Preconceived Social Beliefs: Society considers Computer Science more suitable for boys, limiting girls’ choices.
• Unequal Exposure to Technology: Boys get earlier and more frequent access to computers than girls.
• Lack of Encouragement: Girls receive less support and hesitate to participate in technical activities.
• Limited Role Models: Fewer visible women in tech reduce inspiration for girls.
• Career Guidance Bias: Girls are often guided toward non-technical or flexible career options.

Disability Issues while Teaching and Using Computers

• Inclusive education provides equal access to computer education for students with disabilities.
• Technology helps create a more inclusive and diverse learning environment.

Types of Disabilities

• Locomotor disabilities – problems related to body movement and physical control.
• Hearing and speech disabilities – difficulties in hearing or speaking.
• Cognitive impairment – learning difficulties such as dyslexia and autism.
• Vision impairment – low vision or blindness.

Support Measures

• Assistive technologies help differently-abled students use computers easily.
• Examples include screen readers, speech recognition software, and special keyboards.